Lions roar into Kelowna at Apple Bowl

Friday’s announcement that the Canadian Football League’s BC Lions will play two regular season games at Kelowna’s Apple Bowl next summer is more than a sporting milestone — it’s a testament to Kelowna’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected community.

“There is a passionate community of local football and Lions fans here in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan. As a world-class event-hosting city, Kelowna is ready to welcome the energy of Canadian football with Kelowna’s renowned hospitality,” said Mayor Tom Dyas. “We’re excited for the events that will surround these games for a celebration of Canadian football that will have a positive impact on the economic prosperity and vibrancy of our community.”

As home to the Okanagan Sun football club, a perennial powerhouse in the Canadian Junior Football League, Kelowna has a knowledgeable fan base with a keen interest in the sport. The Sun, currently undefeated in 2025, are a three-time national champion organization, and a fixture near the top of the B.C. conference in the CJFL.

As well, the Kelowna Minor Football Association runs a busy league, with games starting in September on Sundays in West Kelowna, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kamloops.

The City is working with the BC Lions to ensure the Apple Bowl Stadium is capable of hosting the expanded seating capacity – the costs of which will be determined in the months ahead as the logistics are worked out.

The discussions include a vision for a festival environment, creating community activations around Kelowna that will really bring the event to life.

The CFL announcement is the latest in a series of major events Kelowna has attracted in recent years, reflecting the City’s strategic focus on community vibrancy — creating spaces and experiences that foster connection, creativity, and opportunity for all residents.

From hosting the Memorial Cup next spring, the Canadian Country Music Association Awards earlier this month, the Brier national curling championship earlier this past winter, the upcoming Apple Triathlon and all the way to expanding festivals like Parks Alive! and the Kelowna Pride Festival, Kelowna has demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class events that bring people together and boost local business.

The City’s investments in infrastructure — including upgrades to the Apple Bowl, and the development of new parks and public spaces — have laid the foundation for hosting large-scale events. These projects ensure the city remains accessible, growth-ready, and prepared for the future.

These events also demonstrate a willingness to reach for opportunities that contribute to the economic well-being of the city and region — bringing in tourists, filling hotel rooms and restaurants, boosting Kelowna International Airport passenger traffic and all the ancillary retail activity that results.  

Kelowna’s approach is rooted in the vision of Imagine Kelowna: Building the City of the Future. By leveraging partnerships, supporting local organizations, and investing in spaces that connect people, the City continues to enhance its reputation as a destination for major events and a place where everyone belongs.

As Kelowna prepares to welcome the BC Lions and thousands of fans next summer, residents are invited to be part of this celebration of sport and community. Secure your seat for Touchdown Kelowna and experience firsthand the energy, pride, and connection that define our city. For ticket information and updates, visit https://www.bclions.com/season-tickets/.